I bought the OC16 sometime in the summer when it started to be sold in the EU. In the end, I returned it to the e-shop - it seemed to me that it had a poorly articulated high-end. Today, when I play what was recorded on it, I am angry with myself. I kept the twice as expensive Sony C-80, even though it has quite unpleasant sibilants. I should have done the exact opposite - return the Sony C-80 and keep the OC16. It has a really pleasant sound
The OC-16 sounds great with your voice, I've watched nearly all of your videos, Mike. The only ones where I could really hear a difference were the Soyuz and the Lewitts, the Soyuz microphones were a little more detailed in the upper midrange and the low end was very well controlled. The Lewitts were similar to the Soyuz mics, but less warm and more trebly. The Austrian Audio OC-16 is a great sounding $400 microphone that I may indeed buy because I like the sound of it.
On speakers, the OC16 sounds really really similar to the OC18. But with a closer listen with headphones, the OC18 has more lowend and is much smoother. But thank you for doing this video! I was damn curious how these 2 mics would compare!!
I couldn't really hear a difference on headphones, even while watching the mic-switching indicator. If my eyes were closed, there is no way I could tell when the transitions happened. Could you tell them apart with your eyes closed?
@@xyzct I have to say, having watched a ton of Mike's comparison videos, that I could hear less difference between the various mikes this time than I think I ever have. I was literally sitting through the last half of the video thinking "Is my hearing going bad? Why do they all sound the same to me?" Now, I could hear some difference between some of them, but just nothing like I usually do. I'm listening through the same headphones on the same computer. Strange. I wonder if RUclips has started compressing audio more, or if I'm just going deaf.
@@xyzct I really can't hear the differences in this video either. I would blame RUclips, but after listening to his previous videos with many of the same mics, there is a clear difference in those.
maybe its just my headphones but I had a hard time hearing any major differences between most of them. There were some differences of course, and lets be honest, someone who is looking at microphone that costs $400 isnt considering $1000+ microphones, but it seems to me that as long as you aren't doing high end VO, the OC16 will be everything you need
I picked up the OC18, and having worked with it for a little while, with headphones on, I can really tell the difference from the OC16 to the OC18. The 18 works well for my voice range, but the 16 sound really good too!
@@pb.musical Build Quality and Sound. The OC16 is a bulky mic with a soviet style build design. It's sound good, very smoooth and clean but the build quality is questionable when compared with the Lewitt 440 Pure when I looked for mics around the same price last year. I largely prefer the Lewitt for the accessories, build quality and design. But compare to the Austrian Audio OC18, the OC18 eliminate all the flawes of the OC16. The OC18 is pricier but have a better design, build quality (made in austria), accessories and better sound articulations and details. That's why I send back the OC16 and I bought the OC18 instead.
Mike thank you so much for reviewing this microphone! I was waiting for you or Bandrew to cover it because anytime there’s a potentially less expensive option that may be a hidden gem. I really appreciate when you cover the potentialy affordable options for us broke ass artists folks! 6:57
That Soyuz 017 FET is incredible on your voice. It has a wonderful presence that's supported by an excellent, controlled low end. Wow. However, if people want the sound of the OC-16, they should get the TF-11 (if they can afford it). It sounds like a better version of the OC-16, which sounds anaemic by comparison.
Telefunken mics just sound so incredible. There's just something about them. That TF11 sounded so soothing. I personally thought the Soyuz 1973 sounded awful in comparison to the OC16.
I found the TF11 tonality more smooth than that of the OC-16 that I am considering for voice work. Would be curious to learn what use the TF11 for and how you are liking it now, about a 1 year after getting it.
Also as far as affordable options I’m hoping someday you could review a Lauten LA220 cuz I’d really like to hear it on your voice. Bandrew really liked it on vocals but I don’t know how good it would be for VO
Thank you for another very informative vid. If i may be so bold as to make a wish for the future, I would like to hear exactly the same phrase/sentence repeated over both mics, something with plosives and sssssss etc. I think this would make it easier to get a fairer comparison. .ps I'm starting to have fun with my Tula. Best Ray
Great video as always, it think the OC-16 is very well voiced and it held it`s own against any of those mics . Would you try the TLM 67 ? I`m currently saving money for it, would be interesting to hear you review it :D
I would say it’s a cut down version of the oc18 the sound is very open compared to my sa87i. I would not say they’re same because they have different settings each mic. The oc16 is more sensitive of the two since I have to lower the gains. The sa87i I could turn the mic way up and all it make is louder but no distortion. The oc16 have filter on the mic. Oc16 and oc18 have different grills but same capsule I might try something with the grill. On oc16 I have a high shriek when I turn it up is it normal it’s very ear piercing u can’t hear it in the recording but hear it in the headphone.
I agree. I really liked them, too, and I was surprised that my favorite one of them all was the Lewitt 440. After that was the Austrian Audio OC18, which I thought was comparable to the 440 sound wise, even though they are, of course, different. But those were the ones I liked.
Could you please let me know if you prefer the U87 over the Soyuz 017 FET? I am also looking at the Lauten Atlantis and I am having a hard time deciding. Any insight you can give me would be most welcome.
Good approach and comparisons, but you unfortunately left out VITAL information about Signal to Noise Ratio of the Lewitt 440 Pure (half that of the OC16). You also could have helped a little more by mentioning the exact diaphragm sizes of the OC16 vs the others you campared it with. Were they all 1" like the Lewitt 440 Pure? Is the OC16 a pure condenser microphone or an electret condenser microphone? But I loved your voice and how good it made every mic really sound! However, more info brutally comparing specs would have been great. Also, does the shock mount of the OC16 hold the mic in place on a boom arm that might hang it upside down? Because I know the Lewitt 440 pro will have the mic fall out! I love the way the OC16 help sort of balances the warmth of the higher frequencies . Great video overall, otherwise, Mike! Thanks! Subscribing to your channel and opting in for Notifications. You obviously have great experience and speak from the heart. And that voice! Thanks. God speed!
Hey. I have the rodecaster pro. I have an issue with it I think. I saw you’re using it too. I got shure sm7b into, dbx 286s and then into the rodecaster pro. I cannot get the thing to not sound digital. If I go into the focusrite instead of the rodecaster it sounds normal and natural again. Any ideas? Any help would be great. I use the “line in” input not a mic setting Sorry was so unrelated. I just saw you have the rodecaster
OC-16 seems pretty balanced. Nice sounding mic. I will say there's something unique about U87 in the way it just seems to pull the voice closer to the listener without being abrasive to the ear.
Random question but maybe someone in the comments can help me out. Why are all microphones made out of metal? Idk anything really about acoustics but wouldn't the metal effect the sound of your voice because of your voice bouncing off of the reflective metal surfaces? Or does this not have any bearing on your voice being picked up because the metal is literally millimeters from the capsule and because it's so close it doesnt matter?
Hey Mike ,i love you but show me a Mic with 3 dBA of noisefloor. I know that the lowest ones go to 7 dBA (Microtech Gefell M930) . 14dBA is mor in the lower Mid Range i would say, but there are faaaaaar worse Mics
the oc-18 had a round low end to me , very smooth sounding and almost "already mixed" sounding. the oc-16 was great for half the price! but the body was more prominent so i heard a bit more harshness in it. definitely a beautiful option for 399 though. thank you very much for the vid
That high frequency bump is really nonsensical. If they can make it flat the should, everyone who use this microphone should know to EQ it later if they want or need such thing. This way it is already baked into the recording. Not saying that AA people do not know that, imply they want to sound "great" to everyone, even those who think that brighter means more detailed and better.
do you think that if the treble of the oc16 are out of context it is not possible to catch them in the mix? in terms of sound I find it more open and bright compared to the rounder and warmer oc18
@@nellskro6667 The point with hyping up the high frequency is that you can not remove the hype once it was baked into the track as it is not a natural, broad curve but usually some spikey curve they make to make it feel "more open" and "detailed". You can always add that later if you want, but removing it is you do not need it is not that easy, if possible. This is the same as sharpening your photos, there is no more details added to the file, but just making the micro contrast more visible.
Actually, quality wise, it is a better option to tame those frequencies after recording than boosting them up in case you need it. The signal will respond better and you'll end with an overall superior result
la forma en que se hizo esta review no sirve, tiene que estar separadas, con la misma frase y con el tiempo para que el oido pueda descansar y volver a escuchar un nuevo impulso sonoro. Esto lo unico que hace es desorientar al oido y solo optar por lo que dice el interlocutor. Aun con todo eso, puedo notar que el microfono oc16 no aplica para compararlo con los demas, sobre todo con lewitt o soyuz, el sonido es mucho mas aspero, seco y sibilante. Ademas solo estamos apreciando un rango de frecuencias y un solo timbre, digamos que no sirve para nada este video.
I had to take a look at my box and mic after I read this lol. Sadly it only says designed in Austria. The capsule is made in Vienna but I guess they outsource. Too late to return it. Rats lol
I bought the OC16 sometime in the summer when it started to be sold in the EU. In the end, I returned it to the e-shop - it seemed to me that it had a poorly articulated high-end. Today, when I play what was recorded on it, I am angry with myself. I kept the twice as expensive Sony C-80, even though it has quite unpleasant sibilants. I should have done the exact opposite - return the Sony C-80 and keep the OC16. It has a really pleasant sound
The OC-16 sounds great with your voice, I've watched nearly all of your videos, Mike. The only ones where I could really hear a difference were the Soyuz and the Lewitts, the Soyuz microphones were a little more detailed in the upper midrange and the low end was very well controlled. The Lewitts were similar to the Soyuz mics, but less warm and more trebly. The Austrian Audio OC-16 is a great sounding $400 microphone that I may indeed buy because I like the sound of it.
Excellent review and I really enjoy the mic comparisons that you do. Thank you!
Brilliant video! Thanks
On speakers, the OC16 sounds really really similar to the OC18. But with a closer listen with headphones, the OC18 has more lowend and is much smoother. But thank you for doing this video! I was damn curious how these 2 mics would compare!!
I couldn't really hear a difference on headphones, even while watching the mic-switching indicator. If my eyes were closed, there is no way I could tell when the transitions happened. Could you tell them apart with your eyes closed?
@@xyzct I have to say, having watched a ton of Mike's comparison videos, that I could hear less difference between the various mikes this time than I think I ever have. I was literally sitting through the last half of the video thinking "Is my hearing going bad? Why do they all sound the same to me?" Now, I could hear some difference between some of them, but just nothing like I usually do. I'm listening through the same headphones on the same computer. Strange. I wonder if RUclips has started compressing audio more, or if I'm just going deaf.
@@RickinICT, I experienced the same thing. I was struggling to hear differences.
@@xyzct I really can't hear the differences in this video either. I would blame RUclips, but after listening to his previous videos with many of the same mics, there is a clear difference in those.
Anyway it's a great condenser mic for the money for my vocals
maybe its just my headphones but I had a hard time hearing any major differences between most of them. There were some differences of course, and lets be honest, someone who is looking at microphone that costs $400 isnt considering $1000+ microphones, but it seems to me that as long as you aren't doing high end VO, the OC16 will be everything you need
HURRAY! I've been waiting and waiting for someone to do this! Thank you!!
Beautiful video. Thank You for reviewing this Microphone. You are the best Sir.
In my opinion AA OC16 has similar vibe to U87!
Unbeliveble.
Im goint to buy it now! O_O
and I did! :D
Thank You for this georgious lesson!
I picked up the OC18, and having worked with it for a little while, with headphones on, I can really tell the difference from the OC16 to the OC18. The 18 works well for my voice range, but the 16 sound really good too!
What is the difference between oc16 and oc18?
@@pb.musical Build Quality and Sound. The OC16 is a bulky mic with a soviet style build design. It's sound good, very smoooth and clean but the build quality is questionable when compared with the Lewitt 440 Pure when I looked for mics around the same price last year. I largely prefer the Lewitt for the accessories, build quality and design. But compare to the Austrian Audio OC18, the OC18 eliminate all the flawes of the OC16. The OC18 is pricier but have a better design, build quality (made in austria), accessories and better sound articulations and details. That's why I send back the OC16 and I bought the OC18 instead.
And yes the cheaper OC16 actually seems to sound better
Mike thank you so much for reviewing this microphone! I was waiting for you or Bandrew to cover it because anytime there’s a potentially less expensive option that may be a hidden gem. I really appreciate when you cover the potentialy affordable options for us broke ass artists folks! 6:57
That Soyuz 017 FET is incredible on your voice. It has a wonderful presence that's supported by an excellent, controlled low end. Wow.
However, if people want the sound of the OC-16, they should get the TF-11 (if they can afford it). It sounds like a better version of the OC-16, which sounds anaemic by comparison.
Telefunken mics just sound so incredible. There's just something about them. That TF11 sounded so soothing.
I personally thought the Soyuz 1973 sounded awful in comparison to the OC16.
thanks for the review!
it would be handy if you increase the audio loudness in the mastering process. (-23 LUFS or near it)
Great Demo! Very valuable comparisons. Thanks so much!
"None Shall Pass ! ". From one of favourite movies, thanks for that Mike ;)
Thank you for making this review!! :D
Mike, the OC-16 sounds fine in its own right. The question as you so aptly put it; does it sound right for you? Thanks for the comparision.
My TF11 just came in on Friday!!!! I love it
I found the TF11 tonality more smooth than that of the OC-16 that I am considering for voice work. Would be curious to learn what use the TF11 for and how you are liking it now, about a 1 year after getting it.
Christian Cole suggested I buy this for my first condenser mic
Love that Lewitt LCT 440!
Also as far as affordable options I’m hoping someday you could review a Lauten LA220 cuz I’d really like to hear it on your voice. Bandrew really liked it on vocals but I don’t know how good it would be for VO
Have you moved recently 🙏🏽 would love to see a new VO studio tour 🙏🏽 You are the best!
The number of Mike’s expensive mics is always impressive.
I'd imagine Mike Delgadio would be pretty expensive on the shelf.
15:10 ... Why does the sound of the OC16 change so much when Mike moves on to the 440? It almost sounds like he has the 160dB filter on.
Thank you for another very informative vid. If i may be so bold as to make a wish for the future, I would like to hear exactly the same phrase/sentence repeated over both mics, something with plosives and sssssss etc. I think this would make it easier to get a fairer comparison.
.ps I'm starting to have fun with my Tula.
Best
Ray
[Cue Greta Thunberg]: _How dare you!_
Trailer VO Scott Rummell (Mission Impossible, Top Gun etc) swears by the Vanguard V13. Have you reviewed?
Great video as always, it think the OC-16 is very well voiced and it held it`s own against any of those mics .
Would you try the TLM 67 ? I`m currently saving money for it, would be interesting to hear you review it :D
Mike DelGaudio, we where on a class together with Luria, Albert here, I have question do you sell any of your Austrian Audio Mics?
Really nice
I would say it’s a cut down version of the oc18 the sound is very open compared to my sa87i. I would not say they’re same because they have different settings each mic. The oc16 is more sensitive of the two since I have to lower the gains. The sa87i I could turn the mic way up and all it make is louder but no distortion. The oc16 have filter on the mic. Oc16 and oc18 have different grills but same capsule I might try something with the grill. On oc16 I have a high shriek when I turn it up is it normal it’s very ear piercing u can’t hear it in the recording but hear it in the headphone.
I really liked the Lewitt mics over all the others.
I agree. I really liked them, too, and I was surprised that my favorite one of them all was the Lewitt 440. After that was the Austrian Audio OC18, which I thought was comparable to the 440 sound wise, even though they are, of course, different. But those were the ones I liked.
@@flotopo I felt the same.
Could you please let me know if you prefer the U87 over the Soyuz 017 FET? I am also looking at the Lauten Atlantis and I am having a hard time deciding. Any insight you can give me would be most welcome.
Good approach and comparisons, but you unfortunately left out VITAL information about Signal to Noise Ratio of the Lewitt 440 Pure (half that of the OC16). You also could have helped a little more by mentioning the exact diaphragm sizes of the OC16 vs the others you campared it with. Were they all 1" like the Lewitt 440 Pure? Is the OC16 a pure condenser microphone or an electret condenser microphone? But I loved your voice and how good it made every mic really sound! However, more info brutally comparing specs would have been great. Also, does the shock mount of the OC16 hold the mic in place on a boom arm that might hang it upside down? Because I know the Lewitt 440 pro will have the mic fall out! I love the way the OC16 help sort of balances the warmth of the higher frequencies . Great video overall, otherwise, Mike! Thanks! Subscribing to your channel and opting in for Notifications. You obviously have great experience and speak from the heart. And that voice! Thanks. God speed!
Well, Mike? No reply to my questions / observations?
I genuinely think this mic looks better than the more expensive brothers from AustrianAudio
Wow, they can even include a proper case!
As an owner of a U87 ai.
I still want this mic.
Can you use the OC-18 shockmount on the OC-16?
AT4040 vs OC16 for clarinet recording, which one would you pick?
I actually think OC16 sounds better than U87 but not better than TLM103, I wish I could afford a TLM103. Using AT4040 for now.
If you like brighter mics then yes, the TLM103 will definitely do the job better
Hey. I have the rodecaster pro. I have an issue with it I think. I saw you’re using it too.
I got shure sm7b into, dbx 286s and then into the rodecaster pro. I cannot get the thing to not sound digital.
If I go into the focusrite instead of the rodecaster it sounds normal and natural again.
Any ideas? Any help would be great. I use the “line in” input not a mic setting
Sorry was so unrelated. I just saw you have the rodecaster
Why dbx286 when you have the Rodecaster Effects?
OC-16 seems pretty balanced. Nice sounding mic. I will say there's something unique about U87 in the way it just seems to pull the voice closer to the listener without being abrasive to the ear.
Still preferring the KSM32 .
Random question but maybe someone in the comments can help me out. Why are all microphones made out of metal? Idk anything really about acoustics but wouldn't the metal effect the sound of your voice because of your voice bouncing off of the reflective metal surfaces? Or does this not have any bearing on your voice being picked up because the metal is literally millimeters from the capsule and because it's so close it doesnt matter?
It's better for durability. Ideally a good sounding mic would be made out that soft cloth material pop filters are made out of.
i currently own a rode nt1 is it worth upgrading to this mic?
In my opinion, the only worthy upgrade is a TLM 103 over all mics.
Hey Mike ,i love you but show me a Mic with 3 dBA of noisefloor. I know that the lowest ones go to 7 dBA (Microtech Gefell M930) . 14dBA is mor in the lower Mid Range i would say, but there are faaaaaar worse Mics
the oc-18 had a round low end to me , very smooth sounding and almost "already mixed" sounding. the oc-16 was great for half the price! but the body was more prominent so i heard a bit more harshness in it. definitely a beautiful option for 399 though. thank you very much for the vid
I rather pay the extra and go with the OC18 since this one is made in China and the OC18 is made in Austria.
That high frequency bump is really nonsensical. If they can make it flat the should, everyone who use this microphone should know to EQ it later if they want or need such thing. This way it is already baked into the recording.
Not saying that AA people do not know that, imply they want to sound "great" to everyone, even those who think that brighter means more detailed and better.
do you think that if the treble of the oc16 are out of context it is not possible to catch them in the mix? in terms of sound I find it more open and bright compared to the rounder and warmer oc18
@@nellskro6667 The point with hyping up the high frequency is that you can not remove the hype once it was baked into the track as it is not a natural, broad curve but usually some spikey curve they make to make it feel "more open" and "detailed". You can always add that later if you want, but removing it is you do not need it is not that easy, if possible.
This is the same as sharpening your photos, there is no more details added to the file, but just making the micro contrast more visible.
Actually, quality wise, it is a better option to tame those frequencies after recording than boosting them up in case you need it. The signal will respond better and you'll end with an overall superior result
la forma en que se hizo esta review no sirve, tiene que estar separadas, con la misma frase y con el tiempo para que el oido pueda descansar y volver a escuchar un nuevo impulso sonoro. Esto lo unico que hace es desorientar al oido y solo optar por lo que dice el interlocutor. Aun con todo eso, puedo notar que el microfono oc16 no aplica para compararlo con los demas, sobre todo con lewitt o soyuz, el sonido es mucho mas aspero, seco y sibilante. Ademas solo estamos apreciando un rango de frecuencias y un solo timbre, digamos que no sirve para nada este video.
Mike's gotta be the worst guy for hearing the microphone in action as he could probably make even an oil barrel sound great.
shame it's made in China
I had to take a look at my box and mic after I read this lol. Sadly it only says designed in Austria. The capsule is made in Vienna but I guess they outsource. Too late to return it. Rats lol